Understand

History

In 1997 the lake was designated as a protected area under UNESCO's Man and Biosphere programme.

Landscape

Flora and fauna

There is a bird sanctuary at Prek Toal not too far from Battambang. Species include the extraordinary masked finfoot.

There are huge giant catfish here with record of specimens up to 650 pounds. This endangered speices is confined the Mekong and surrounding rivers and lakes.

A large crocodile farming industry thrives on and around Tonle Sap. The main species is the Siamese crocodile, critically endangered in the wild. The lake also provides a habitat for 13 different species of turtle.

Climate

The best time to visit is the dry season, when the water level falls and the birds are concentrated in a comparatively small area.

Get in

The boat from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap goes through the lake and the express service takes around five hours.